Many game developers travel to scenic locations, but in this case, two Bohemia Interactive employees behind open-world military shooter Arma 3 are being detained in Greece. Oddly enough, they’re accused of being spies.

In fact, both men—developers Ivan Buchta (28) and Martin Pezlar (33)—were reportedly returning from vacation before running afoul of the local authorities.

Regardless, they were detained last week on the Greek island of Lemnos and still haven’t been released.

Buchta and Pezlar were allegedly “in possession of video and photos of military installations” from the nearby area, and it appears authorities believe they were intended for use during the development of Arma 3. According to Bohemia Interactive, that’s simply the result of some ill-timed media reports and incorrect information:

They took photographs and videos in public areas, as countless tourists arriving to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Greece may well do. These included a short video as they drove through the main road passing around the international airport, where in one short part of the video off in the distance some hangars and other buildings of the complex can be seen. It’s very likely that many tourists may have pictures similar to those taken by Ivan and Martin in their own family albums, without being aware that they put themselves or their families at risk.

Both developers are currently being held in the town of Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. According to Bohemia Interactive PR, they have since released the following statement:

“The conditions are tough, but the people we meet treat us fairly and correctly. It is all a completely absurd misunderstanding that will certainly be quickly explained. We mainly think of you, our families; you have to stay calm and not to worry about us. We hope we will meet soon.”

Aside from Arma 3, Bohemia Interactive is also anticipated to launch naval combat-based Carrier Command: Gaea Mission in North America on October 2nd. We’ll keep an ear out for any further updates on the situation.

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Arma 3 Devs Detained In Greece Due To “Absurd” Espionage Accusations

Many game developers travel to scenic locations, but in this case, two Bohemia Interactive employees behind open-world military shooter Arma 3﻿ are being detained in Greece. Oddly enough, they're accused of being spies.

Many game developers travel to scenic locations, but in this case, two Bohemia Interactive employees behind open-world military shooter Arma 3 are being detained in Greece. Oddly enough, they’re accused of being spies.

In fact, both men—developers Ivan Buchta (28) and Martin Pezlar (33)—were reportedly returning from vacation before running afoul of the local authorities.

Regardless, they were detained last week on the Greek island of Lemnos and still haven’t been released.

Buchta and Pezlar were allegedly “in possession of video and photos of military installations” from the nearby area, and it appears authorities believe they were intended for use during the development of Arma 3. According to Bohemia Interactive, that’s simply the result of some ill-timed media reports and incorrect information:

They took photographs and videos in public areas, as countless tourists arriving to enjoy the beauty and hospitality of Greece may well do. These included a short video as they drove through the main road passing around the international airport, where in one short part of the video off in the distance some hangars and other buildings of the complex can be seen. It’s very likely that many tourists may have pictures similar to those taken by Ivan and Martin in their own family albums, without being aware that they put themselves or their families at risk.

Both developers are currently being held in the town of Mytilene on the Greek island of Lesbos. According to Bohemia Interactive PR, they have since released the following statement:

“The conditions are tough, but the people we meet treat us fairly and correctly. It is all a completely absurd misunderstanding that will certainly be quickly explained. We mainly think of you, our families; you have to stay calm and not to worry about us. We hope we will meet soon.”

Aside from Arma 3, Bohemia Interactive is also anticipated to launch naval combat-based Carrier Command: Gaea Mission in North America on October 2nd. We’ll keep an ear out for any further updates on the situation.